§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his written answer to the hon. Member for Battersea, 19 December,Official Report, column 237, what form the proposed inquiry into safety of vessels on rivers and inland waterways will take and under what statute; what incidents other than that concerning the Marchioness have been drawn to his attention; what is the name and qualifications of the expert adviser; and what are Mr. John Hayes's qualifications, other than legal, for conducting the inquiry.
§ Mr. McLoughlinMr. Hayes's inquiry is an independent investigation which is not bound by statutory provisions or procedures. The precise conduct and form of the inquiry is a matter for Mr. Hayes, but departmental papers are being made available to him and he will shortly be inviting views from interested parties.
So far, the following accidents on the River Thames have been specifically drawn to Mr. Hayes' attention by the Department:
Collision between Date Bowtrader and Hurlingham 18 October 1981 Shell Distributor and New Southern Belle 8 June 1983 Bowbelle and Pride of Greenwich 9 June 1983 Shell Distributor and Royalty 1 September 1983 Rosewood and John Marriott 14 September 1986 Vita and Fordson 29 September 1986 The expert adviser will be appointed shortly, and his name and qualifications will be announced at that time. Mr. Hayes will bring to the inquiry the important attributes of an independent mind and a distinguished record as a solicitor in local government.
§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what distinction he is making on the modified requirements in hull design and construction between vessels operating in tidal waters and those on shallow canals and non-tidal rivers of limited depth and width, consequent on the action he has taken in response to the report of his marine accident investigation branch into the Marchioness disaster.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe modified requirements for hull design and construction which are being developed, in consultation with industry, will make a clear distinction between vessels operating in tidal waters, those operating in the sheltered non-tidal reaches of rivers operating on shallow rivers and canals. In general a higher standard of survivability, in the event of hull damage, will be required in tidal waters whilst other requirements will apply to vessels operating in shallow waters such as canals.